Before we tell you about Lincoln, many are upset with the move, saying Toronto gave up on Snider too early as he is just 24.

My argument there is, it is not as if the Blue Jays put him on waivers! They got a solid piece back. Let me explain.

What most don't know is that Snider and Lincoln were in the same draft class (2006), with Lincoln going fourth and Snider 14th. Also worth mentioning, Brandon Morrow also went fifth that year, so the Buckos saw something in Lincoln to take him ahead of Morrow.

Also, Clayton Kershaw went seventh and Tim Lincecum went 10th in 2006.

Good sign.

Let us introduce you to the newest Blue Jay.

Brad Lincoln, 27, is under Blue Jays control until 2018. This is a staple for Alex Anthopoulos and a great great move considering he is having a breakthrough season.

Lincoln has been working in the seventh and eighth innings for the Pirates and has amassed a 2.73 ERA a 1.10 WHIP and averages more than one strikeout per inning.

Amazingly enough, Lincoln has given up 18 ER on the season and most of that damage has come from the long ball (8 HR). That is one thing that worries me in the AL East and at Toronto's home park—the Skyd...Rogers Centre.

Will Lincoln start 2013 in the rotation?

YesNoI miss SniderSubmit Votevote to see results

Will Lincoln start 2013 in the rotation?

Yes

33.0%

No

36.6%

I miss Snider

30.4%

Total votes: 276

According to Shi Davidi's Twitter: "A point worth remembering is Jays had to rebuild bullpen, if not now than in off-season. They did it without spending $ that can go to SP."

Moreover, Davidi tweeted a quote from the Pirates GM stating that they gave up "a quality pitcher who will have an outstanding career but to get value you have to give up value."

There were reports that the Diamondbacks were interested in Lincoln in a deal involving Justin Upton (I am not speculating but imagine if AA pulled off another Rasmus move to get Upton?).

All positive signs in regards to Lincoln.

Did I mention he is under control until 2018? And for CHEAP!

Here is how his contract breaks down (his arbitration yearly salaries were based on his WAR, see the breakdown here):

2012: $480,000

2013: $500,000

2014: $1.2 M

2015: $2.4 M

2016: $3.6 M

2017: $4.8 M

So even if he stays till 2015, that is only roughly $4.5 million owed to him. For a pitcher who has as high a ceiling as Lincoln, that is quite the steal.

I believe the Jays will try to mimic the 6'4" Lincoln in the mold of 6'3" Brandon Morrow, who toiled as a reliever before coming over to the Blue Jays. Both have high K potential, high ceilings and had roughly 20 starts apiece before moving to the bullpen and subsequently to the Blue Jays (15 and 22 respectively).

Yes, many will be upset to see Snider leave but to get a player like Lincoln for a guy who has never succeeded at the major league level is a good trade. Even in his "breakout" year, Snider still has a 14/3 K/BB ratio. Moises Sierra is on his way up to replace Snider.

So get to know Brad Lincoln as he will be around for years. Seems like a nice guy, just like me.

Tell me what you think about the trade.

Also get at me on Twitter @the__ste (Double Underscore) for fantasy advice, fantasy articles, Jays news and discussion as well as anything else I find awesome.